Use of docetaxel for treating hepatoma

Abstract

The present invention is based on the finding that docetaxel is significantly more active against hepatocellular carcinoma cells than paclitaxel at concentrations of up to 1 μM. It accordingly provides the use of docetaxel, or a hydrate thereof, in the manufacture of a medicament for use in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

1 . A composition for use in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma comprising, as active ingredient, docetaxel or a hydrate thereof.  
     
     
         2 . A composition according to  claim 1 , wherein the hydrate is the trihydrate.  
     
     
         3 . A composition according to  claim 1  or  2 , which is for parenteral administration.  
     
     
         4 . A composition according to  claim 3 , which is suitable for intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intravenous, intramuscular or intrasternal administration and contains from 38 to 42 mg/ml of active compound.  
     
     
         5 . A composition according to  claim 3 , which is suitable for administration by infusion and contains from 0.1 to 11 mg/ml of active compound.